Wayne "Rusty" Stitt

Dr. Rusty Stitt is a faculty specialist II in the Department of Educational Leadership, Research, and Technology within the College of Education and Human Development at Western Michigan University. He serves as program coordinator and faculty advisor for the K-12 MA and Ed.S. programs. Dr. Stitt earned his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and an M.A. from Western Michigan University, and a B.A. from Indiana University. Prior to joining academia, he spent over 20 years as a K-12 administrator, serving as an athletic director, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent. His leadership has been recognized with multiple honors, including the W.M.U. Golden Apple Award in 2019 and the 2025 College of Education Strengthening Community Connections Award.

As a school and district leader, Dr. Stitt has guided systemic reform and innovative practices that positively impact students and staff. Notable accomplishments include leading a high school recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best in America, implementing standards-based grading, STEAM education for all K–8 students, project- and problem-based learning, student-led conferences, one-to-one technology integration, teacher collaboration through PLCs, and establishing an early middle college program that increased the average college credits earned per graduate to 17.

Dr. Stitt teaches courses in both building- and district-level leadership, including internships, curriculum and instruction leadership, and personnel practices. He also serves on specialist and doctoral committees, supporting the next generation of educational leaders. His research focuses on translating evidence-based practices into actionable leadership strategies, guided by a conceptual framework that visualizes leadership as the intersection of three overlapping domains: Building Culture, Leading Learning, and Administrator Growth & Development.